Senior Project Manager

Senior Project Manager

European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN)

November 17, 2025January 1, 2026GenevaSwitzerland
European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) About
At CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, physicists and engineers are probing the fundamental structure of the universe. They use the world's largest and most complex scientific instruments to study the basic constituents of matter – the fundamental particles.
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, is a leading scientific research organization established to probe the fundamental structure of the universe. It employs physicists and engineers who utilize the world's largest and most complex scientific instruments to study the basic constituents of matter. CERN has a mission to advance knowledge and understanding of the universe, and it operates in multiple countries, primarily in Europe, with a diverse workforce that reflects its commitment to inclusivity and collaboration across borders.

Job Overview:
The Senior Project Manager at CERN will play a pivotal role in leading the design and potential construction of innovative underground and surface civil engineering projects. This position involves managing high-value contracts and small teams of skilled engineers on technically complex projects. The successful candidate will collaborate across various disciplines to deliver cutting-edge solutions, particularly in relation to the Future Circular Collider (FCC), a significant project with a 91 km circumference planned to be located in an underground complex up to 500 meters below ground in the Geneva Basin. The role requires a strong focus on project management, technical solution development, and stakeholder engagement to ensure the successful delivery of civil engineering milestones.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Project Manager will be responsible for the preliminary design and planning of extensive civil engineering works for the FCC. Key duties include leading the definition of requirements and developing technical solutions for both surface and underground civil engineering infrastructure. The role also involves preparing technical and contractual documentation for major consultancy contracts, managing CERN personnel involved in FCC civil engineering efforts, and interfacing with various stakeholders to ensure project milestones are met. Additionally, the Senior Project Manager will oversee detailed cost estimates and schedules, report on civil engineering progress at high management levels, and ensure compliance with contractual frameworks.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree or equivalent relevant experience in civil engineering or a related field. Specific project management qualifications are advantageous. The role requires extensive knowledge and experience in managing complex, high-value civil engineering projects, particularly in underground civil engineering. Proven experience in writing technical documentation for civil engineering works is also essential.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree in civil engineering or a closely related field is required for this position. Candidates with additional project management qualifications will have an advantage in the selection process, as these qualifications demonstrate a deeper understanding of managing large-scale engineering projects effectively.

Experience:
The ideal candidate will have extensive experience as a engineer" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">civil engineer, particularly in project and contract management within the field of underground civil engineering. A strong background in managing complex, high-value civil engineering projects at a senior level is essential. Candidates should also have significant experience in managing design and construction contracts for high-value projects, as well as proven capabilities in writing technical documentation relevant to civil engineering.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this position, along with a commitment to learning French, which is considered beneficial for effective communication within the organization and with local stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is offered as a limited duration contract for a period of 5 years, with the possibility for holders of such contracts to apply for an indefinite position under certain conditions. The working hours are set at 40 hours per week, and the job offers hybrid flexibility. A valid driving license is required for this role. The job grade is classified as 6-7, and the reference for this position is SCE-PPM-2025-238-LD, specifically within the field of Civil Engineering.
Apply now
Similar Jobs